50/Karaoke Confessions

Karaoke Confessions
Date of Scene:	09 July 2023
Location:	Karaoke Crown
Synopsis:	Madoka finally has a chance to pull Homura away from her magical girl duties in order to talk, with the hope of making a new friend.
Cast of Characters:	Madoka Kaname, Homura Akemi

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Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka has had quite the week. She's been confused and a bit scared since magical things started happening around her. The pink-haired girl has gone from being completely oblivious, to questioning her own sanity, to having a conversation with a guidance counselor that basically confirmed everything, to even seeing recruitment for a Magical Girl club.

     Surely that last one wasn't a front for a real mahou group, right? That's what she keeps telling herself.

    The pinkette doesn't really know who to ask, but she knows that there's one mahou in particular that she would really like to talk to. Someone whom, for reasons she can't explain, somewhat trusts despite not knowing her very well at all. Or at least, she doesn't think she knows her. Surely if Madoka had seen someone as cool and beautiful as Homura, she'd remember it right? Surely...

    Finally, Madoka gets her chance. After classes let out, Madoka finds Homura in the crowd and suddenly approaches her, moving quickly to stand slightly in Homura's way. It's a move that might be surprisingly aggressive for a cute girl like Madoka, but this is also a girl who has been raised by Junko to, when appropriate, be forward and decisive. "Homura! I've been meaning to talk to you. Are you free after school?"

    With a bright smile, and a slight tilt of her head, she offers, "We can go to the Karaoke Crown! My treat."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    Things had been busy for Homura. With what she'd consider an explosive opening contest at the beach the various forces of Obsidian had started to make their moves, and differing factions of Device Users had also shown up to combat each other. Soon after more members of Obsidian had started to show interest in Witches and had made the retrieval of a Grief Seed more difficult than it needed to be.

    Because of these and other reasons Homura had been accelerating her plans and restocking on supplies she'd used up the last time around. Being at school meant Madoka was nearby and safer than anywhere else she could think of, so she was able to consider her situation while their teacher ranted on the inappropriateness of expecting a modern working woman to dress fancy for a first date when she was already leaving earlier than she'd like in order to make it on time.

    After school she was mulling over her plans when she heard her name spoken by a familiar voice. As Madoka swoops in to intercept her her eyes widen slightly in surprise. Madoka... wanted to talk to her? Well, she shouldn't be so surprised. Maybe Mami had left some holes in her explanations, or her usual conversations had been interrupted by the appearance of that musical Witch.

    She's just about to reply when Madoka speaks again. Karaoke Crown!? Slightly widened purple eyes flutter a little in surprise. Maybe it's Saotome-sensei's extended 'teachings' rattling around in her head but... is Madoka asking her on a date?!

    "Karaoke Crown?" she reiterates, just managing to keep her voice even. She closes her eyes, takes in a breath and lets it out, casually, or rather in something of a physical tic, reaches back and smooths her long black hair. "Yes, I can go." Somehow her voice comes out cool and steady. Spending literal years hiding your emotions comes in handy, sometimes.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka smiles brightly as Homura accepts her invitation. Is it a date? Maybe, but Madoka's intentions aren't entirely romantic, and it'd be rude to lead Homura on like that. Still, she can't fully explain what her plan is in a public place like this. Not when it's magical in nature.

    ... But she'd be lying if she ever said that Homura wasn't cute in her own mysterious way. Cute, and a little dangerous in a way that could either be exciting or scary depending on how things go. If things had gone just a little bit different, Madoka might be scared of her rather than being so forward.

    "Great! Meet me at the school's entrance in a few minutes. We'll walk together!"

    Then, busily, Madoka walks away to deal with some last minute things before leaving campus. And also, to hide in the bathroom for a second to get over just how embarrassed she is for being so direct.

LATER, AT THE KARAOKE CROWN

    Madoka walks into the crown with a bright smile, chatting openly and excitedly to Homura. She's tried to be friendly and talk about normal life things, avoiding magical topics until they're alone. When the pinkette finally gets through the door, she rushes ahead to make sure there's a private booth available, and she rents it. She also grabs a strawberry smoothie while here, and offers to get something for Homura too. Her impatience gets a little bit obvious, not in a rude way but in a fidgety way, but she does have to wait a minute for things to get set up for them.

    When they are finally alone together, she lets out a deep breath. She waits for Homura to join her in the booth and for the door to close. "So... I haven't been clear about my intentions, because the topic is... a bit sensitive. I wanted to ask you about what's been happening recently. Mami explained some things to me, but we kinda got interrupted by... what happened last time. Also..."

    Madoka turns towards Homura with a sheepish smile. "... I'd like to get to know you a bit better. You seem to take your role as magical girl really seriously." There's a hint of admiration in her voice when she says that. "I know you told me to stay out of it, but... I can't help but wonder what's going on."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    "A few minutes? I'll see you there." Homura watches Madoka hurry away. She follows that same direction heading towards the bathroom-- only to see Madoka stepping inside herself. Well, sure. She turns on her heel and heads towards a different one.

    Once there she steps inside a stall-- holding out her hand so her ring glimmers into an egg-shaped jewel hovering above her hand. "Sorry, Saotome-sensei. I don't have the luxury of taking chances."

LATER, AT THE KARAOKE CROWN

    Homura is walking next to Madoka, clothed in a ribbed charcoal gray long-sleeved sweater with a dark knee length tartan skirt, purple leggings and black ankle boots, while carrying a black handbag with little golden studs. Hanging about her is the flowery scent of orchid perfume with faint woody, musky undertones.

    The look is hot for summer, but Homura doesn't seem to mind. Her expression is calm, maybe even stoic as she walks and talks with Madoka towards the Karaoke crown, but a genial quietness suits her, and there are small hints of smiles as they talk. She orders a watermelon smoothie, showing she isn't immune to the heat despite her outfit by drinking a fair amount of it as soon as it's received.

    She sits down neatly once they're inside the booth, legs together with her knees angled slightly to one side, calves angled back the other way so her feet are beneath her. A brief flash of memory shoots through her mind. She should be intercepting a JSDF armory truck right about now, carrying a load of hand grenades no one would ever miss. Well. They'll still be there later, and some things are more important than maintaining full ammunition supplies.

    The faintest hint of color shows on Homura's cheeks when Madoka utters the words 'my intentions', but she keeps her calm expression, which helps hide the slight droop in her mood when Madoka makes it clear this meeting is about discussing all the magical incidents around Tokyo.

    Well yes, of course she is. Homura knew that on most levels, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to allow some spark of hope within her. How long had it been since she'd been able to go somewhere with Madoka just to hang out together? Very long. Too long. But that honestly didn't matter right now. Madoka was here, wanted to talk to her, and neither of them were under immediate threat of attack. That was more than enough of a beginning for Homura.

    "I see," she responds at first, smoothing her skirt after sitting down, very prim with practiced manners of a polite but not entirely Japanese manner, "it was very prudent of you to find somewhere safe to speak." She casts her gaze around the private booth they're in, "Even should someone wish to listen in, the music from this and other booths should drown out our voices."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    Homura sees Madoka's smile. Quiet and earnest. It's a smile she knows well, that brings equal measures of pain and joy. "Yes, I take my role very seriously. That's what it means to be a Puella Magi. Those that pursue this life I've chosen with only half their hearts are doomed to failure and suffering." Her eyes half lid. She hadn't intended to be so... gloomy, but at the same time she didn't have it in her to tell Madoka anything other than the full severity of what making a Contract with Kyubey means. She didn't have it in her to keep the difficulties from any potential Puella, let alone Madoka herself.

    "I take it that means you are considering Kyubey's offer despite my warnings?" It comes off as somewhat accusatory, but Homura's tone softens and she adds, "I'd like to say otherwise, but I expected that. The world of Magical Girls is exciting and enticing for anyone who wishes to help others from the honesty of their hearts, but the path Kyubey offers is perhaps the worst one possible."

    She lets out her breath, closing her eyes, and then takes in another. Her countenance changes, once more, to the direct, severe tone used when she'd first confronted Madoka and asked her to stay away from the Magical world. "Madoka Kaname. If there is only one thing I say to you that you ever take seriously let it be this: Unless you are absolutely certain it is the only way forward, after every possible alternative from you and others has been explored and exhausted. If the only hope remaining is your Wish and Miracle, only then should you make a Contract with Kyubey to become a Magical Girl. That is the only way to be sure the price you pay is worth it."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka is still in her school uniform, so she's a little less dressed up than Homura, but Madoka doesn't really have a place on campus to change into more casual clothes. Still, it'd be a lie to say that she didn't look cute dressed up in the tan-and-blue schoolgirl outfit. She's altered the color few pieces of it, such as the bow, to go along with her bright pink hair and red ribbons. How Homura managed to get changed so quickly is something for Madoka to wonder about and get impressed by, but something she decides not to ask about.

    She does like the outfit though, and lets Homura know that. Madoka's very sincere like that.

    The faint changes in Homura's mood go mostly unnoticed for now, in part because Madoka shyly looked at the closing door when declaring her intent. When she turns around, Homura is her usual calm self, at least in Madoka's eyes.

    She sheepishly chuckles when Homura calls her prudent, and nods at Homura's assessment. That was Madoka's thinking. Her eyes get a bit sad and worried, and she frowns slightly as Homura talks about how hard it is to be a Puella. She glances off to the side at the mention of Kyubey, and her frown gets a little bit worse. She... doesn't trust Kyubey. Not fully. Mami seemed to think that he was okay, but Homura isn't the only one to indicate that his offer is a little bit too good to be true. She fidgets a little when Homura mentions the 'honesty of her heart', because that part of her assessment of Madoka is dead on.

    When Madoka hears Homura's recommendation, her mood gets a bit sullen.

    "Homura... is it okay if I call you Homura-chan?"

    Madoka fidgets a bit. She's been standing by the door this whole time, but now she sits down next to Homura. Even though she doesn't know the transfer student very well, Homura's never come off as being dishonest or unfriendly with her. Even her warning seems to comes from a place of wanting to keep Madoka from making a mistake, or at least that's how the pinkette sees it. So Madoka doesn't mind treating her like a friend. There's a part of her that wants to ask serious questions, but there's also a part of her that thinks it's really cool to be hanging out with a real magical girl.

    Her gaze goes across the room, not directly looking at Homura despite talking to her.. "It's just that... there's a lot more to the world than what Kyubey and Mami have been able to tell me. I spoke to another magical girl and she didn't seem to know what was going on either. There are a lot of unanswered questions. People have told me that Kyubey's offer seemed a little off, and you seem to be confirming that, but you're right about one thing."

    She turns her head to look at Homura, with earnest eyes full of concern. "I do want to help. I couldn't possibly feel any other way. Even if it's dangerous. Even if I might get hurt..."

    Then she looks away, down and at the floor. "You contracted with Kyubey, right? How is it like for you?"

Homura Akemi has posed:
    It'd be hard, if not impossible, for Homura not to think that Madoka looks cute in her school uniform. She's also not foolish enough to think Madoka would have had time to change. After all, she had to cheat by using magic.

    Talking with Madoka can be hard, because Homura has to carefully consider her words. She knows Madoka very well, but revealing just how much by making comments that are too pointed could end disastrously. There had once been a time where Homura had immediately run up to Madoka to tell her of her magic, that they'd met before, but she'd long since considered that to be the way of folly.

    "It's okay," she responds as Madoka asks about calling her by her first name. She doesn't mind. She'd even prefer it, coming from this particular person, but it's almost impossible to read that from her response or expression. Especially when the atmosphere has gotten a bit quiet.

    She looks over towards Madoka when the other girl sits down next to her, looking away after a few moments and taking a sip of her smoothie so she doesn't end up staring, or looking like she is. It'd be one thing if they were looking at each other while conversing, but a one directional gaze might come off as off putting.

    She nods in acknowledgment when Madoka points out how much more to the magical world there is than she could have been told in such a short time. A part of her is glad that the pink-haired girl doesn't seem to be taking Kyubey at his word; obviously she won't be doing anything to change that.

    When Madoka looks over to her she looks again and meets her gaze. She doesn't nod again, instead quietly accepting the words she knows to be true. The question that comes surprises her a little, but the contents of the answers she knows she must give causes her eyes to lid a little more heavily, giving her a stony, tired expression.

    "That's right. I'm a Puella Magi, so I've made a contract with Kyubey." Strange wording, because Kyubey wouldn't remember making it himself despite the fact it simply must be true. If he is listening in Homura doesn't notice, but she doesn't want to give him the chance to tell Madoka she's been lied to. That'd be too much. "It has been long, difficult, and painful. I won't sugar coat it for you. My path has been full of hardship and suffering. When you are doing well it's easy to think that using magic and protecting people is a fun thing to do with your friends, but before long you'll fight something you barely, or can not manage to defeat, and that's when everything changes."

    Her voice lowers as she speaks those last words, and if Madoka looks at her the tension in the muscles around her eyes makes it obvious she's talking from experience rather than making some allegory. "Has Mami or Kyubey talked to you about Grief Seeds yet?" It's a rhetorical question, because she gives her own explanation regardless. "Kyubey might have told you it's a prize, or a reward for defeating a Witch, but the truth is more complicated than that. For a Puella Magi it isn't a 'prize', it's sustenance. Like food, water, or air. Like all Magical Girls we get tired when we use our magic, but unlike the others ours doesn't regenerate when we sleep. Only a Grief Seed can replenish it, and when we run out, we will immediately die."

Homura Akemi has posed:
    She had been looking ahead again, but at that pronouncement she looks back over to Madoka. She knows those words will have an impact, but even that isn't enough. "That is why you might find Puella Magi fighting over Grief Seeds. It isn't because we want a reward, it's because every one of us eventually learns the consequences of running low." Another short pause. "Only Witches produce Grief Seeds. Madoka Kaname-san. You are a kind, caring person. If someone was in trouble, being attacked by a monster like the one at the Beach, what would you do?"

    Homura closes her eyes and pushes some hair that had fallen into her face behind her ear, "You would fight to protect them. You believe in Magical Girls and their ability to protect people. But that is exactly why I told you such kindness will bring about greater disaster for yourself, and everyone who cares about you. In protecting them you use your magic. It was not a Witch, so the magic you used is lost to you forever. If you keep it up you will run out of magic entirely, leave your family crying over your body, and forever lose the ability to protect the people you care about."

    Her eyes have narrowed, eyebrows pointing downward sharply towards the bridge of her nose, which creases. She isn't glaring at Madoka, but instead looking past her, and an old, cold anger is audible in her voice. "That is the proposition Kyubey has put before you. That is why it's one you must never take unless you're absolutely certain the Wish he grants is worth your life. It isn't a life anyone should envy, especially someone like you. Someone who cares. The first time you catch yourself wondering if you can afford to protect someone in need, it will hurt you deeply. There are some," the image of Sayaka Miki flashes in her mind, "who can never forgive themselves once they do. It's something they should have to think. It's not something anyone should have to think."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Given enough time, a more knowledgeable Madoka might actually agree with Homura's approach. After all, the last thing she wants right now is to feel even more overwhelmed and confused. Her Very Best Friend would understand that, surely. Even this particular Madoka, who doesn't know much of anything aside from what Mami, Kyubey, and a few others have said, is more comfortable at this pace. It's a testament to the fact that Homura has done this before, that she knows to not dump everything on her at once.

    But then Homura lays out the truth for Madoka, or at least part of it. Enough to scare her. Maybe that's what Homura intends, but it's not the time traveler's fault that the truth is genuinely terrifying. Madoka watches as Homura explains the truth about Grief Seeds, and she gasps slightly at the fact that Puella Magi die when their magic runs out. That is not what Kyubey told her, or at least, that's not how he phrased it. 'You'll no longer be able to use your magic properly,' she recalls. Yeah, because you're dead.

    Kyubey probably isn't listening, as far as Madoka knows, but he's going to hear about it eventually. There aren't many things that Madoka would confront someone over, or be upset about, but that's one of them. Maybe Kyubey has his own reasons for not saying that, but even so... Madoka would like to know what they are.

    Not to mention, the fact that Homura is directly threatening Kyubey's goals means that he'll have to respond eventually.

    When Homura mentions the possibility, no... the experience of facing something that she can't defeat, Madoka's very readable expression changes to one of grim surprise. She hadn't even thought about that before, and that is plain on her face. That feeling fades into a melancholy acceptance that Homura's read on her is correct. Of course she would want to help. She's said as much.

    The thought of her family crying over her is a bit much, and she covers her mouth to turn away. Tears appear at the corner of her eyes, but she wipes them away. "You shouldn't say that so bluntly..." she objects, and then feels bad about it. She has no reason to think that Homura isn't telling her the truth, and she can't really be too mad at someone who fights to protect others.

    "I'm sorry... I don't have any right to speak like that. You were fighting that monster, even though it didn't benefit you. Even though the very act of it meant..." She winces, more tears come out. Madoka isn't mad at Homura or anything. It was her own idea to drag Homura here, and she's well aware of that.

    "If that's the way of things... I don't know if I could sit by and watch... to worry about myself when someone else needed help. Even now, knowing that..."

    The pink girl is quiet for a few moments as Homura's words sink in. She needs a moment. This was some really dark news, and the scariest part is that Madoka doesn't really get the sense that Homura is lying to her in any way. "You must have been through a lot, Homura-chan."

    With a sense of trepidation, Madoka reaches out for Homura's hand. If Homura pulls away, Madoka wouldn't pursue, but for the moment she feels the need to comfort the girl next to her. In this moment, Madoka chides herself for only viewing Magical Girls in a shallow light. She still thinks that they're cool, and she still views them with a sense of admiration and envy; but also this is a real person she's talking to, with real problems, and that person deserves love and respect. This isn't a fantasy. No, if anything, from the way Homura says it, this is a war.

    "I... I'll keep your warning in mind, Homura-chan. I might... try to find other ways to become a magical girl. The thought of having to sit by the sidelines and watch while others suffer... I think I might rather..."

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Madoka doesn't want to finish that sentence, but Homura might have a pretty good guess as to where it goes.

    After a moment, she laughs, but it's the sad laughter of someone trying to find a light in the darkness. "I guess this got kinda heavy. I'm sorry. I'm poking into things that I didn't understand. I didn't mean to be insensitive." Madoka withdraws her hand, pulls her legs up, and turns to where she's sitting on the couch on her knees. She places her hands on her chest, and smiles at Homura.

    "That's not the only reason I brought you here, though. Homura-chan... I think you're a cool person, and you fight really hard and... I'd like to be your friend. If you ever need to talk about your problems, or if you just need someone to hang out with, you can feel free to talk to me okay?" Shaking her head, "Even if I can't be a magical girl right now, I can at least be your friend."

    Madoka is a bit surprised at herself for saying it like that, and she'll likely be embarrassed about how it sounds later, cringing at herself in quiet moments and wondering if she came off as too weird or forward. She'd hate for Homura to get the wrong idea. This is either something she'll want to bring up with her mother, or something she'll swear to secrecy about forever.

Homura Akemi has posed:
    It's a lot, and Homura knows it is. She'd feel worse about this if she didn't already know the levels of Madoka's determination. She isn't trying to scare her on purpose, but she isn't going to let Madoka make a contract with Kyubey without knowing at least some of the most pertinent risks. Her fierce expression fades when Madoka chides her for her bluntness. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to upset you, but these are the things that no one thinks to tell you or warn you about before you become a Magical Girl. There is always the risk of dying in battle. But for Puella Magi even winning can mean death, if the price of victory was too high."

    She lets out her breath and shakes her head, "You don't have to feel ashamed of speaking your feelings around me. Everyone has their own opinions and reasons, those that fight and those that that are considering fighting. I'm sorry I have to tell you such terrible, unwelcome things. But if Kyubey is making you offers and speaking half-truths, I believe you deserve to know the future that awaits the decision to accept."

    She's mildly startled when Madoka takes her hand but doesn't pull away. Her expression softens a little more, even as the other girl tells her she must have been through a lot. "I have," she accepts, though her voice has a quiet, soft quality it usually doesn't. She turns towards Madoka, and sets her other hand atop of the one already on hers. "I won't lie to you. Things have been very difficult for me. And yet... if I had the chance to make my choices again, I would still make my Contract. I know what I'm fighting for, and I refuse to believe it's not worth it. I think you're right to try to find another way. But if you do need the miracle Kyubey offers, just make sure it's the right one. Even if I think my life is difficult, I still know I'm one of the lucky ones, because I could never regret my decision or think for even a moment that it wasn't worth it."

    After a short moment she realizes just how embarrassing her words are, given the context of her Wish and who she's speaking with, and she looks away, saying in a slightly firmer tone, "That's the conviction it takes to be successful as a Puella Magi."

    Homura retrieves her own hands as Madoka starts to pull hers away. "I don't blame you for being curious, and you couldn't have known how heavy this conversation would be." If she had there wouldn't be a need for it.

    Again Homura finds herself surprised, "My... friend..?" There's a danger here, of course. That Madoka will get close to her, and see her struggle, and want to help. It makes her pause and consider, though the response is inevitable. "I would like that. It's good to have someone to rely on. Even the strongest, most powerful Magical Girls need others. It's... something I'm trying to be better at."

    Homura straightens up in her seat, even though her posture was already mostly straight, "Your friendship can help others as much as fighting alongside them can, as hard as that might be to imagine." She purses her lips and looks to the side while thinking to herself.

    It's... truer than she'd like to admit. Both about the friendship being important, and Madoka being better at it than her. It gives her thoughts. She's... not sure if it's good or bad. But it is something. "If it isn't asking too much of you, maybe that's something you could help me with. I need allies, but I'm only good at making them by showing off my skill and knowledge."

    She looks to Madoka, "But you? You came up to someone too used to being cold and solitary like me, and are asking me to be your friend. I'm not sure that earnest warmth is something I'll ever have." She's too used to being a Puella Magi, which at times feels entirely at odds with being a Magical Girl. Fighting for resources. Staking out territory. Looking after yourself first. Those are the qualities that let Puella Magi survive. But in a world with so many threats, survival alone isn't enough.

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    One of the reasons, perhaps, that Madoka treats Homura differently than others is because she often sees a different side of her. Some of that might have to do with emotional intuition, it's true, but there's a certain vulnerability that Homura has around Madoka that simply isn't there when she's talking to, say, Inai-sensei or Mami-san. If Madoka ever noticed that difference, her concept of who Homura is might change, but the Homura that Madoka's seen so far is the one who seems somewhat shy, sad, and always blushes just a little bit easily.

    There's something charming about that. Maybe that's part of why Homura catches Madoka's attention in ways that other magical girls don't.

    "Thank you, Homura-chan, for letting me be open with you. Even though I don't know anything, or haven't gone through what you have." Madoka speaks in a soft, gentle voice. The pink-haired girl was about to cry just from hearing this information, but Homura has to live that reality every day, and has for a while. As tragic as the news is, Madoka is not the one who most needs comfort and acceptance right now.

    The admission regarding Homura's Wish, and her dedication to it, might be a bit of a poignant thing to think about later. Whenever Madoka finds out the truth regarding Homura's goals, she might think back to these words and be flattered. For now, she simply nods and accepts the surface level of the purple-eyed girl's words.

    It's a bit of a surprise when Homura claims that she doesn't have the kind of warmth that Madoka does. Earnesty she can see being hard, maybe. It's something that she's good at, and something that Junko encourages, but... somehow, she hasn't really seen Homura as cold. Every time Madoka's seen the black-haired Puella Magi, Homura always came off as pretty intense.

    Still, Madoka nods. "I understand. It can be hard to make connections. Especially in your position. It can't be easy to trust people when the very person who introduces you to magic kinda..." The pinkette pauses for a moment to think of a kind way to say it, "... doesn't really tell you the full story."

    She bites her lower lip, and drops her hands to her lap, and leans closer to Homura. "... I don't mind helping you in that way, Homura-chan, but I want to be clear here. I'm not just trying to befriend you because you're a magical girl..."

    Really, she's trying to befriend Homura because of a weird dream that she had, but even with everything that's happened that feels like it's too much to reveal.

    Then again, she's not sure she agrees. Homura opened up for her, so why should Madoka hold back? No, it's not fair to hide her intentions, and Junko would be disappointed in her if she noticed Madoka's hesitation.

    Madoka turns forward again, and sits down properly, letting her legs dangle off the side of the couch.

    "Actually... there's something I want to tell you. The truth is... before we met, I had a dream about you. Something happened to you, and... after that there was a lot of strange things that didn't really make sense. I remember thinking that you were someone important to me. It was... weird to have that dream, about someone I've never met before, and then see you transfer in the very next day. I know that sounds dumb, and maybe that's a silly basis for a friendship, but I didn't want to hide the truth from you." She looks towards Homura again, grinning a bit sheepishly. "I mean... that can't be the weirdest thing you've ever heard of, right?"

Homura Akemi has posed:
    "I..." Homura needs to think of how to put her words. "I don't want to keep you from being you," she finishes. She can't look at Madoka as she says it. There's way more meaning to those words than simply letting Madoka be honest about her reactions in front of her. She'd tried for a very, very long time to prevent Madoka from being the kind, caring girl that had initially drawn Homura to her, but it had only ever gone badly.

    Homura also doesn't realize just how different she might appear to Madoka than anyone else. In a way it's easier to be open and softer around the pink-haired girl, at least when there's no immediate danger of her getting harmed or making a wish. If she was intense around Madoka, it's because she cares so much about her and what happens to her, and those feelings aren't easy to suppress.

    "It's hard to make connections that count, and last," she admits. "What we've been talking about is heavy, you said so yourself, and I can be very focused whatever mission I'm on. It can be upsetting, and grating, and not everyone is forgiving about it as you. They shouldn't have to be, either."

    She gives a soft smile to Madoka when she notes not wanting to be her friend only because of her being a Magical Girl. She can believe it. "I appreciate that."

    More surprises. Having a dream about her? That's one thing. But -before- having met her? Homura blinks. "The night before I transferred in? That's..." She shakes her head, "No. It isn't the weirdest thing. Maybe I shouldn't be surprised. This world is filled with magic far beyond what I could ever have comprehended." Still... given what happened right before her last reset it does cause some theories to gnaw at the edges of Homura's mind.

    "If that's your reason... I suppose I owe some thanks to your dream. It must have been awkward for you keeping that in." Homura knows something or two about having to keep strange secrets. "Since we've both told each other something strange," as she speaks she reaches over and picks up the microphone and the remove for the karaoke player, "why don't we do something that lets us take our minds off difficult things and have some fun. What would you like to sing first," a short pause, "Madoka-chan?"

Madoka Kaname has posed:
    Well, after having had such a heavy conversation, Madoka couldn't hardly refuse a chance to sing with her brand new friend. After all, she actually does want to have fun with Homura, not just to make her life better but also because she's genuinely interested in her. Besides, after such an embarrassing admission, making a fool out of herself singing seems like nothing in comparison.

    Madoka's smile is bright as she stands up to take the other microphone, ready to use this booth for its intended purpose. While her eyes might still be a little puffy from crying, she's sure that a few rounds of singing would let her forget her troubles for a while.

    "Oh, I know one! Let's see if they have it." She starts to scroll through the list, and picks out a song. If Homura is looking, she might recognize Madoka's cheery, silly choice. It's a pretty good song for forgetting one's worries, cheerful on the best days and still somewhat therapeutic on the worst.

    Madoka-chan... very clearly likes this song. She doesn't even have to look at the lyrics. More than that, she knows the full dance, and she's not ashamed of dancing it in front of her new friend.

    o/` Everyday Pon, Everytime is Pon o/`